Chances are if you’re a mother runner or a father runner, you have taken your kids on a run with you a time or two or eighty. Chances are if you’re a soon-to-be mother runner or father runner, you will probably find yourself pushing the stroller like the rest of us.
Let me start by saying it’s not a bad thing. When I found out I was pregnant, that was my first thought..
But at times, running while pushing your baby or toddler can be frustrating so I’ve come up with 5 tips for stroller running!
1. Consider it a training tool – Pushing a stroller, especially when it’s filled with 30+ pounds of toddler, is more difficult than running alone. Use this to your advantage. Work on your form, a while back I put together this little demonstration of how to run with a stroller (Link). What you learn to do more is take advantage of the momentum your arm swing can provide.
2. Be Realistic – You’re most likely not going to run faster while pushing a stroller.
3. Be Prepared – The benefit of pushing a stroller is that you have room to put things…things you might need (or should I say your kid). Depending on how far you go or how long you’re out, you might need to bring them a drink, maybe a snack or even a blanket. E almost always steals my phone and watches something while we run.
4. Invest in a good stroller – a running stroller should basically drive itself. A good stroller just needs a little push and then some steering. If you find that you’re fighting the stroller, you might need to, if you can, upgrade. I am a HUGE advocate of the BOB, it’s popular for a reason. Look on Craigslist too for a used one. They hold up really well.
5. Don’t be afraid to have fun – Lately E has been asking to “run” with me (Link) and I will be honest, my first thought was “Just let me run” but then I snapped out of it and said yes and I have had so much fun watching him run…pretend to be exhausted…run again. Then sometimes he just wants to walk and hold hands and that’s fine too.
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| Sorry for the fuzzy picture I was jogging |
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| Same here…we were walking |
Remember that this is time your spending together and when you can, get them involved. There will be other runs so why not just enjoy the time together.
What tips do you have for running with your kids/stroller?
These are great tips Katie! I never ran with my boys in the stroller but I think that being realistic and shifting your perspective is so important. And I love that E wants to run with you!
I love the pic of you in the stroller! Let mama have some fun – weeeeee! 🙂
Our stroller running days are almost done. When I do convince them to jump in stroller it’s always an in and out thing. They’ll ride for a bit, run for a bit. Keeps everyone happy!
I didn’t start running until after my kids were older so never experienced the stroller run. Lots of moms in my group use one and they are quite a workout to push! Confessions of A Mother Runner
Good for you with #5. Too cut! I like my Graco jogger, but when/if we have two kiddos, I’m getting a double BOB.
I have a 5 1/2 month old daughter and is a safe time to start jogger with her? We have a BOB stroller but I haven’t used it yet. She can sit up on her own for minutes at a time and has good head/neck strength. Thanks!